Today’s items are things you should know, but, alas, many people either forget or ignore. It never hurts to have a reminder.

STOP MEANS STOP: You may have heard about the Cleveland woman who was caught on camera driving on a sidewalk while a school bus was unloading. In addition to a fine, a judge ordered her to stand at an intersection and hold a sign that said “Only an idiot would drive on a sidewalk to avoid a school bus.”

We haven’t seen those kinds of “idiots” in the Rock River Valley, but we have seen people drive past school buses without stopping when the bus arm was out and the stop sign was clearly displayed.

It’s the law for drivers to stop and there’s a heavy penalty if you break the law. If convicted, your license will be suspended for three months and you will be fined a minimum of $150, excluding court costs. If you’re convicted a second time, the suspension is for a year and the fine increases to a minimum $500. You can’t get court supervision.

There’s an exception if you’re driving on a highway with four or more lanes, with at least two lanes of traffic traveling in the opposite direction.

The penalties should not be what deter you, Think of the children. Think of their safety as they eagerly go to school or come home.

The Rockford Police Department reminded motorists recently that officers will be watching. Police are busy enough; don’t give them another thing to do. Stop for the school bus.

DON’T PARK THERE: It’s tempting during this busy holiday season to illegally park in a disability parking space. You justify it by thinking “There are no other open spots” and “I’ll be in and out before anyone notices.” That would be a bad choice.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced last month a statewide crackdown on those who park in spaces reserved for the handicapped. The crackdown started on Black Friday, and 60 citations were issued that first weekend.

The fine for parking in one of those spaces without a parking placard or disability license plates can be as much $350. That would put a crimp in your Christmas shopping.

Leave those spaces for the people who need them. A long walk would do the rest of us a lot of good.

NO SNOW: We haven’t seen measurable snow around here for more than 280 days, but eventually it will fall. When it does, use common sense and don’t treat a trace of snow as if it were the blizzard of 2011.

Other common sense tips: Be aware of weather conditions before traveling. Keep blankets, snacks and a shovel in the vehicle. Don’t go out in bad weather if you can avoid it. Keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full. Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition.

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Christmas is two weeks away, but don’t let common sense take a holiday.